Woodburner is proud to present the launch of our legendary weekly festival season, every Tuesday from June to September with Malawian superstar Faith Mussa, and London-based kora master Jally Kebba Susso.
FAITH MUSSA
Malawian superstar Faith Mussa is an afro Soul singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is currently Malawi’s first and only “electronic 1 man band” combining traditional African vibes with Modern Sounds. He has performed at some of the world most respected festivals including Glastonbury 2017 under Beating heart, Lake of stars, Arts festival of Northern Norway 2015, World fest California 2016, Tumaini festival and many others.
Faith is an energetic music performer and excellent music writer earning him several awards including the prestigious Malawi Special Achievers award in the UK 2017, Nyasa Award 2017 for best song of the year, MAM award 2013 for best song of the year and many other awards during his music career.
The artist has worked with UNICEF, PLAN International, UNFPA, UNITED PURPOSE (formerly concern Universal) and is currently an ambassador for OXFAM and music writer for GIRL effect Malawi. His 2nd album is set to be released early this year and will contain music recorded from all over the world with some of the best talent he has collaborated with along the way.
JALLY KEBBA SUSSO
Gambian Kora Master & Griot Musician Jally Kebba Susso expands on West African Griot musical tradition whether solo, or with his band Manding Sabu - exploring AfroFunk, Jazz, Rock & Blues styles.
In West Africa, a griot combines the roles of musician, storyteller, historian, archivist, diplomat and flatterer. You can only be born a griot, never became one. Jally Kebba Susso comes from a very long line of Manding griots from The Gambia. He started playing the kora, the emblematic instrument of the griots at the age of seven, learning it's delicate flowing intricacies from his father and older brothers.
By the age of 13, Susso was touring Europe with a number of Gambian stars including Baatou Askan Wi, Maslabii and his sister Sambou Susso's group. Over recent years Susso has been experimenting with blends of traditional griot music mixing hip hop, jazz, blues and now funk. He won the best Kora Player accolade at a major youth conference in Gambia in 2001.
Since our first season in 2013, our event at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden has always inspired audiences in a unique and thrilling way. This season of events captures the essence of a weekend rural festival in the centre of Dalston on a Tuesday evening.
The phenomenal surrounds of the garden combine with delicious pizzas from David Latto, and a supreme and ever-evolving roster of acts, to create a magical atmosphere which brings people together in a friendly and welcoming space.
It's a community of music-lovers, summer-lovers and life-lovers, brought together to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
